As you know, New Hampshire was chosen by CNBC last week as the Best State to Live In in the nation last week. That’s no surprise to those of us who get to call here home, but when you think about it, there is a reason why we are the envy of 49 other states and much of that has to do with with our environment. For the most part, it’s clean and fresh, in no small part because so many people are committed to keeping it that way.

Every summer, Greenerpalooza gets to celebrate that, by giving green a venue at Meadowbrook, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, and with a backdrop of music by a performer who upholds the cause. Santana was this year’s entertainer and a spot-on choice, given his work with Project Sole, which distributes shoes to people who need them and his commitment to the environment and sustainability.

The event gives us a chance to highlight a growing segment of our economy — businesses that help us all become more green. More than a dozen gathered in the eco-village, greeting concert goers and offering tips on everything from energy efficiency to environmentally friendly hair care products.

We honored the Greenerpalooza Green Business of the Year, which is R.C. Brayshaw and Company of Warner, a printer that celebrated its 33rd anniversary a couple of week ago.

“The company recognizes the value and importance of written words on printed materials we hold in our hands,” said Christopher Way, interim director of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, a co-sponsor of the event with Public Service of New Hampshire. “It is mindful of about limiting landfill waste and using chemicals and it has earned certification from the Forest Stewardship Council for its practices. R.C. Brayshaw is a company that understands what it takes to protect the environment.”
That sense of protection, said Jim Newcomb, vice president at R.C. Brayshaw and Company, has been a foundation of the business since Richard and Fran Brayshaw opened it in 1979.

“When they first started at the old (Waterloo) train station, they were told they could actually put their chemicals down the drain and right into the Warner River,” he said. “Richard Brayshaw had a vision for the environment and he decided not to do that and invested in holding tanks that would hold the chemicals for two weeks, when he would empty them.”

Green before green was cool, R.C. Brayshaw has consistently pursued the most environmentally friendly initiatives, including being a Forest Stewardship Council printer, installing energy efficient lighting in all facilities, recycling all paper waste, plates and even press chemistry. All company stationary is produced on 100 percent postconsumer waste paper as well.

“We are truly honored to receive this award and we will continue to be a role model for green initiatives with our clients and within our community,” Newcomb said.

Speaking of stewards, the Department of Environmental Services has been a watchdog for New Hampshire’s environmental resources for the past 25 years and Greenerpalooza was the perfect place to recognize its silver anniversary.

“The work that we have accomplished for the people of New Hampshire has not just been our work, but the work of all of us together,” said DES Commissioner Thomas Burack. “We firmly believe that a healthy environment and a strong economy go hand in hand in New Hampshire.”

We can’t calculate the greenbacks it takes to keep New Hampshire green and that’s why what we have is priceless.